Safe Sleep for your Baby - Ireland's Health Service · 4 Always place your baby on their back to...

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Key Points4 Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both night and day.4 Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth.4 The safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot in your room.4 Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot.4 Make sure your baby’s head and face stays uncovered when asleep.4 Keep the cot free of soft objects and anything loose or fluffy. 4 Breastfeed your baby, if possible.

✖ Don’t smoke during pregnancy.✖ Don’t smoke or allow anyone to smoke in the home or in the car.✖ Never fall asleep in bed with your baby if you or your partner smokes. ✖ Never share a bed with your baby when you have taken alcohol or drugs

(including medication that may make you drowsy).✖ It is not safe to bed share if your baby is less than three months old or

was born prematurely or had a low birth weight.✖ Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or an armchair.✖ Don’t let your baby get too hot.

Safe Sleep for your BabyReduce the Risk of Cot Death

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What is cot death? Cot death is another name for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is the sudden and unexpected death of a seemingly healthy baby during sleep. No cause of death can be found, even after a post-mortem examination. However, cot death does not only happen in a cot. It may happen in a pram, bed, car seat, baby seat or anywhere a baby is sleeping. A seemingly healthy baby is put down to sleep and when next checked they are found dead. There has been no sound or sign of a struggle. Cot Death is:

• sudden and unpredictable• arecognisedmedicaldisorder• oneofthemaincausesofdeathinbabiesfromfourweeks

to one year of age• most common between two and four months of age

(although it can happen to older babies)• onlydiagnosedwhenallothercausesofdeathareruledout• notcausedbyimmunisations• notcausedbyvomitingorchoking• notsuffocation.

Because we do not know what causes cot death, we cannot completely prevent it. But research has shown that you can take steps to significantly reduce the risk of cot death. If you follow the advice in this booklet you will help reduce your baby’s risk as much as possible.

Please share this information with everyone who looks after your baby: family, friends, child-minder, crèche, babysitter etc.

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to circulate)

Cellularblanket (allows air

Back to sleep

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both night and day.

Babies who sleep on their tummies have a higher risk of cot death. Always place your baby to sleep on their back, both night and day. This does not increase the risk of choking if they vomit.

If a baby vomits/spits up while sleeping on their back, it will go back down the oesophagus as it is underneath the trachea (gravity).

When babies are sleeping on their tummy any vomit will pool at the opening of the trachea making it easier for the baby to choke.

Make sure everyone who looks after your baby uses the back to sleep position.

It is not safe to place your baby on their side to sleep because they may roll onto their tummy.

When your baby is older and able to roll from back to front and back again, let them find their own position to sleep. However you should still place them on their back at the start of sleep time.

Trachea

Oesophagus Trachea

Oesophagus

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Plagiocephaly (flat head)If your baby always lies with their head in the same position they might develop a ‘flat head’, this is known as plagiocephaly.

You can prevent this when putting your baby down to sleep, by turning their head so that sometimes they face left and sometimes they face right.

Sleep positioners and other similar products including pillowsDo not use sleep positioners and other similar products as they do not prevent cot death or flat head and are a suffocation risk.

Pillows and cushions of any kind are not necessary and should not be used as they are a suffocation risk.

Elevating your baby’s sleep surface does not reduce reflux and is not recommended.

Keep the cot free of soft objects and anything loose or fluffy (e.g. cot bumpers, duvets, toys, wedges, bedding rolls, etc.).

Sitting and carrying devicesBaby seats, car seats, slings, carriers and other similar products are not recommended for routine sleep for your baby.

Sleeping in a sitting position can cause your baby’s head to fall forward and restrict their airway making it difficult for them to breathe.

If your baby falls asleep in a sitting position they should be placed on their back to sleep as soon as possible. Babies should not be left sleeping unsupervised while in a seated position.

Tummy TimeTummy time helps your baby to strengthen their muscles and helps to prevent flat head. It is important to begin from birth. When your baby is awake place them on their tummy on a firm flat surface, while you supervise.

Never leave your baby alone on their tummy and If your baby falls asleep when on their tummy, be sure to place them onto their back.

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Smoke-free zone for your babyDo not smoke during pregnancy.


Smoking during pregnancy greatly increases your baby’s risk of cot death.If you smoke during pregnancy your baby is more likely to be born prematurely or have low birth weight. Premature and low birth weight babies have a higher risk of cot death.

Your baby’s risk goes up with every cigarette you smoke a day and with every smoker in your home. So if you and your partner both smoke, your baby’s risk is higher than if only one of you smoke. If you can’t quit completely try to cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke daily.

Remember…

The more you smoke, the higher the risk. You are twice as likely to succeed in giving up smoking if you get support to quit.

For more information and support on quitting smoking, phone the National Smokers’ Quitline on FREEPHONE 1800 201 203 FREETEXT QUIT to 50100 or visit the website www.quit.ie

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Smoking during pregnancy increases your baby’s risk of cot death.

If you smoke during pregnancy your baby is more likely to be bornprematurely or have low birth weight.Premature and low birth weight babies havea higher risk of cot death.

Remember…The more you smoke, the higher the risk.

0

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RISK OF COT DEATH

Your baby’s risk goes upwith every cigarette yousmoke a day and withevery smoker in yourhome.

So if you and your partnerboth smoke, your baby’srisk is higher than if onlyone of you smoke.

✗

For information and support on quitting smoking, phone the National Smokers' Quitlineon Callsave 1850 201 203 Monday - Saturday, 7am-8pm

or visit the website www.quit.ie

SIDS A5 booklet 2011:Layout 1 09/12/2011 14:23 Page 4

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Remember…



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Smoking during pregnancy greatly increases your baby’s risk of cot death.

If you smoke during pregnancy your baby is more likely to be born prematurely or have low birth weight.

Premature and low birth weight babies have a higher risk of cot death.

Your baby’s risk goes up with every cigarette you smoke and with every smoker in your home.

So if you and your partner both smoke, your baby’s risk is higher than if only one of you smokes.




Remember…



4





0

x3

x5

x7

x9


10-19 20+

x11

x13

x15

RISK OF COT DEATH



✗




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0

x3

x5

x7

x9


10-19 20+

x11

x13

x15

RISK OF COT DEATH



✗




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0

x3

x5

x7

x9


10-19 20+

x11

x13

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RISK OF COT DEATH



✗




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Remember…

The more you smoke, the higher the risk.

If you can’t quit completely, try to cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke daily.

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Smoke-free zone for your babyDo not smoke or allow anyone to smoke in the home or in the car.

Being exposed to cigarette smoke after birth also increases a baby’s risk of cot death. It is most important that no one smokes around your baby. When you go out, don’t bring your baby into smoky places. If you or your partner smoke (no matter where you smoke-even if you only smoke outside the home), you should not share a bed with your baby as this greatly increases the risk of cot death.

Remember…

If you cut out smoking when you’re pregnant and keep your baby away from cigarette smoke after birth, you can greatly reduce their risk of cot death.


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Remember… If you cut out smoking when you’re pregnant and keep your baby

away from cigarette smoke after birth, you can greatly reduce their risk of cot death.

Smoke-free zone for your babyDo not smoke or allow anyone to smoke inthe home or in the car.

Being exposed to cigarette smoke after birth also increases a baby’s risk of cot death.

It is most important that no one smokes around your baby. When you go out, don’t bring your baby into smoky places.




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Remember… If you cut out smoking when you’re pregnant and keep your baby

away from cigarette smoke after birth, you can greatly reduce their risk of cot death.

Smoke-free zone for your babyDo not smoke or allow anyone to smoke inthe home or in the car.

Being exposed to cigarette smoke after birth also increases a baby’s risk of cot death.

It is most important that no one smokes around your baby. When you go out, don’t bring your baby into smoky places.




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Smoke-free zone for your babyDo not smoke or allow anyone to smoke in the home or in the car.

Being exposed to cigarette smoke after birth also increases a baby’s risk of cot death. It is most important that no one smokes around your baby. When you go out, don’t bring your baby into smoky places. If you or your partner smoke (no matter where you smoke, even if you only smoke outside the home), you should not share a bed with your baby as this greatly increases the risk of cot death.

Remember… If you cut out smoking when you’re pregnant and keep cigarette smoke away from your baby after birth, you can greatly reduce their risk of cot death.

You can QUIT and we can help!You are twice as likely to quit for good with our help.

Contact the HSE QUIT TeamFreephone: 1800 201 203 Email: [email protected]

Tweet: @HSEQuitTeam Facebook: www.facebook.com/HSEQuit

Web: www.quit.ie Freetext: text QUIT to 50100

The safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot in your room.

Babies who sleep in a cot in their parents’ bedroom are less at risk of cot death than if they are on their own in a separate room.

Keep your baby’s cot in your room for at least the first six months.

Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:

• smoke (no matter where you smoke – even if you neversmoke in bed)

• havetakenalcohol,drugsormedicationthatmaymakeyoudrowsy

• areovertired

or if your baby:• islessthan3monthsold

• waspremature(bornbefore37weeks)

• hadalowbirthweight(lessthan2.5Kgor5.5lbs).

Bed sharing can be dangerous. It can increase your baby’s risk of suffocation as they can slip under the bed covers, roll under an adult, get trapped between the bed and the wall or fall out of the bed. Your baby should not share a bed with your other children. Remember: a separate cot is safest. Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, couch, armchair or beanbag –thisisverydangerous.

The safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot in your room

Babies who sleep in a cot in their parents’ bedroom are less at risk of cot death than if they are on their own in a separate room. Keep your baby’s cot in your room for at least the first six months.

A separate cot is safest. Bed-sharing can be dangerous. Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:

• smoke (no matter where you smoke – even if you never smoke in bed)

• have taken alcohol, drugs or medication that may make you sleep more heavily

• are extremely tiredOr if your baby:

• is less than three months old• was born prematurely (born before 37 weeks) or• had a low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg or 5.5lbs when

born). Bed-sharing can also increase a baby’s risk of suffocation as they can slip under the bed covers, roll under an adult, get caught between the bed and the wall or fall out of the bed. Your baby should not share a bed with your other children.

Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, couch, armchair or beanbag – this is very dangerous.

Babies who sleep in a cot in their parents’bedroom are less at risk of cot death than if they are on their ownin a separate room.Keep your baby’s cot inyour room for the firstsix months.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your room.

A separate cot is safest. Bed-sharing can be dangerous.

Do not share a bed with your babyif you or your partner:

smoke (no matter where you smoke - even if you never smoke in bed)have taken alcohol, drugs or medication that may make you sleep more heavilyare extremely tired

or if your baby:

Is less than three months old

was born prematurely (born before 37 weeks) or

had a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lbs when born).

Babies who share their parents’ bed can slip under the bed covers. They can roll under an adult, get caught between the bed and the wall or fall out of the bed. Your baby should not share a bed with your other children.

Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, couch, armchair or beanbag –this is very dangerous.

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✗

✓

Cellular blanket (allows air tocirculate)


Babies who sleep in a cot in their parents’bedroom are less at risk of cot death than if they are on their ownin a separate room.Keep your baby’s cot inyour room for the firstsix months.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your room.

A separate cot is safest. Bed-sharing can be dangerous.

Do not share a bed with your babyif you or your partner:

smoke (no matter where you smoke - even if you never smoke in bed)have taken alcohol, drugs or medication that may make you sleep more heavilyare extremely tired

or if your baby:

Is less than three months old

was born prematurely (born before 37 weeks) or

had a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lbs when born).

Babies who share their parents’ bed can slip under the bed covers. They can roll under an adult, get caught between the bed and the wall or fall out of the bed. Your baby should not share a bed with your other children.

Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, couch, armchair or beanbag –this is very dangerous.

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✗

✓

Cellular blanket (allows air tocirculate)


6 77

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Feet to footPlace your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot and keep their face and head uncovered.

Place your baby to sleep with their feet to the foot of the cot, moses basket or pram so they can’t wriggle down under the covers.

Tuck blankets in loosely but securely, no higher than your baby’s shoulders.

A sleeveless baby sleeping bag may be used instead of blankets; it should be low-tog, with no hood, the correct size for your baby and conform to current safety standards.

Check regularly to make sure your baby’s face and head stays uncovered. If blankets slip over their face and head while they are asleep, they are at increased risk of cot death and suffocation.

Use a cot mattress that is clean, firm, flat (not elevated or tilted), that fits the cot correctly so your baby can’t get trapped in a gap between the mattress and the edge of the cot. The mattress should preferably be new, or if used in good condition (no tears). It also should have a removable and washable cover.

Remember…

Face up, face free for a safe sleep.

to circulate)

Cellularblanket (allows air

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Don’t let your baby get too hot.

Overheating can increase your baby’s risk of cot death. A baby can overheat when asleep because of too much bedding or clothes or because the room is too hot.

• Don’t wrap your baby in too many blankets. Sheets and cellular cotton blankets are best, as you can adjust the temperature by adding one or taking one away.

• A sleeveless baby sleeping bag is a good alternative to blankets, but do not use any other bedding with it. • Do not use duvets, quilts or pillows.

• Make sure the bedding can’t cover your baby’s head. Your baby should not wear a hat when being put down to sleep. Babies lose heat through their head so covering their head may cause your baby to become overheated.

• To check how warm your baby is, look for sweating or feel their tummy- it should feel warm but not hot. Other signs include flushed, red cheeks and fast breathing.

• Don’t worry if your baby’s hands and feet feel cool - this is normal.• Do not overdress your baby-a nappy, vest and babygro are sufficient,

or less in warm weather. • If your baby has a fever use less bedding than normal and seek

medical advice if necessary.

• Make sure the room your baby sleeps in is a comfortable temperature- not too warm or too cold. The room temperature should range from 16-20°C (62-68°F).Use a room thermometer so that you can easily check the temperature.

• Never place the cot, pram or bed next to a radiator, heater or fire or in direct sunlight.

Remember…

Overheating can increase your baby’s risk of cot death.

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Don’t let your baby get too hot (or too cold).

Overheating can increase your baby’s risk of cot death. A baby can overheat when asleep because of too muchbedding or clothes or because the room is too hot.

To check how warm your baby is, feel their tummy – it should feel warm but not hot. If their tummy feels hot or if they are sweating anywhere your baby is too warm, so remove some of the bedding. Other signs include flushed, red cheeks and fast breathing. Don’t worry if your baby’s hands and feet feel cool – this is normal.

Do not overdress your baby – a nappy, vest and babygro are enough. They can wear less in warm weather.

Take off baby’s hat and extra clothes as soon as you are indoors.

Make sure the room your baby sleeps in is not too warm. The roomtemperature should range from 16 - 20oC (62 - 68oF). If the room feels too warm for you it is too warm for your baby. Consider getting a room thermometer so that you can easily check the temperature of your baby’s bedroom.

Never place the cot, pram or bed next to a radiator, heater or fire or indirect sunshine.

Don’t wrap your baby in too many blankets. Sheets and light blankets arebest, as you can adjust the temperature by adding one or taking one away.In warm weather your baby may not need any bed covers at all. Remember,a blanket folded in half counts as two layers.

Do not use duvets, quilts or pillows.

Make sure the bedding can’t cover your baby’s head. Babies lose heatthrough their head so covering their head may cause your baby to becomeoverheated. You can use a sleeveless baby grobag instead of blankets, as it will not coverthe head if you use it properly. It should fit correctly around the neck so thatyour baby’s head cannot slip down inside the bag. It must be light, with nohood. Do not use any other bedding with it. The grobag should be the rightsize for your baby with enough room for them to move their legs and feet.The grobag should also meet the relevant safety standard.

Remember…Overheating can increase your baby's risk of cot death.

° °

16 60

20

18 65

68


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Don’t let your baby get too hot.

Overheating can increase your baby’s risk of cot death. A baby can overheat when asleep because of too much bedding or clothes or because the room is too hot.

Cotton cellular blankets are best, as the tiny holes allow air to circulate. Don’t wrap your baby in too many blankets. You can adjust the temperature by adding one or taking one away.

Do not use duvets, quilts or pillows.

Your baby should not wear a hat when being put down to sleep, as babies lose heat through their head.

To check how warm your baby is, look for sweating or feel their tummy, it should feel warm but not hot. Other signs include flushed or red cheeks and fast breathing.

Don’t worry if your baby’s hands and feet feel cool - this is normal.

Do not overdress your baby - a nappy, vest and babygro are sufficient, use less clothing in warmer weather.

If your baby has a fever use less bedding than normal and seek medical advice if necessary.

Make sure the room your baby sleeps in is a comfortable temperature - not too warm or too cold. The room temperature should range from 16-20

oC (62-68

oF). Use a room thermometer so that you can

easily check the temperature.

Never place the cot or pram next to a radiator, heater/fire or in direct sunlight.

Remember…

Overheating can increase your baby’s risk of cot death.

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Breastfeed your babyBreastfeed your baby

Soothers

• Some research suggests that giving a baby a soother (dummy) every time they are being put down to sleep may reduce the risk of cot death.

• If you choose to give your baby a soother, make sure you offer it to them every time they are going to sleep.

• If you are breastfeeding and you choose to give your baby a soother, wait until after one month of age to make sure breastfeeding is well established.

• Don’t worry if the soother falls out while your baby is asleep.

• Do not force your baby to take a soother if they refuse it.

• Do not attach strings and cords to soothers, as these could strangle your baby or cause them to choke.

• Keep soothers clean and never dip them in sugar, honey or other food and drinks.

Breastfeed your baby

Soothers

Some research suggests that giving a baby a soother(dummy) every time they are being put down to sleep mayreduce the risk of cot death.

If you are breastfeeding and you choose to give your baby asoother, wait until after one month of age to make surebreastfeeding is well established.

Don’t worry if the soother falls out while your baby is asleep.

Do not force your baby to take a soother if they refuse it.

Do not attach strings and cords to soothers, as these could strangle your babyor cause them to choke.

Keep soothers clean and never dip them in sugar, honey or other foods and drinks.

Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of cot death. Breastfeeding to any extent and of any duration is protective against cot death.

Some mothers like to bring their babies into bed to breastfeed. But pay careful attention to the guidelines on safe sleep in this booklet.

It’s safe to feed your baby in bed as long as you put them back in their own cot to sleep.

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Cellularblanket (allows airto circulate)


Breastfeed your baby

Soothers

Some research suggests that giving a baby a soother(dummy) every time they are being put down to sleep mayreduce the risk of cot death.

If you are breastfeeding and you choose to give your baby asoother, wait until after one month of age to make surebreastfeeding is well established.



Do not attach strings and cords to soothers, as these could strangle your babyor cause them to choke.

Keep soothers clean and never dip them in sugar, honey or other foods and drinks.

Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of cot death. Breastfeeding to any extent and of any duration is protective against cot death.

Some mothers like to bring their babies into bed to breastfeed. But pay careful attention to the guidelines on safe sleep in this booklet.


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Cellularblanket (allows airto circulate)


• Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of cot death. Aim to breastfeed your baby for as long as you can.

• Some mothers like to bring their baby into bed to breastfeed. But pay careful attention to the guidelines on safe sleep in this booklet.

• It’s safe to feed your baby in bed as long as you put them back in their own cot to sleep.

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Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of cot death. Aim to breastfeed your baby for as long as you can.

Some mothers like to bring their baby into bed to breastfeed. But pay careful attention to the advice on page7ofthisbooklet.


SoothersSome research suggests that giving a baby a soother (dummy) every time they are being put down to sleep may reduce the risk of cot death.

If you choose to give your baby a soother, make sure you offer it to them every time they are going to sleep. But do not force it.

If you are breastfeeding and you choose to give your baby a soother, wait until after one month of age to make sure breastfeeding is well established.



Do not attach strings, ribbons or cords to soothers as these could strangle your baby or cause them to choke.

Keep soothers clean and never dip them in sugar, honey or other food and drinks.

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Monitors Apnoea or breathing monitors cannot prevent cot death. These monitors alert parents/carers to apnoea (stopped breathing) or an apparent life-threatening event.

If your baby seems unwell, get medical advice early and quickly.

If your baby seems unwell and you find it hard to tell whether the illness is something minor or more serious, seek medical advice from your doctor or public health nurse.

IN AN EMERGENCYPHONE 999 or 112Ambulance • Fire • Gardaí

Please note:Cot death is still quite rare.

Don’t let fear spoil this precious time with your baby.

This booklet was produced by the National Paediatric Mortality Register in partnership with the HSE Child Safety Programme, DepartmentofPublicHealth–Midlands.

If you would like more information please contact:

National Paediatric Mortality Register

George’s Hall, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital,

Temple Street, Dublin 1.

Tel: 01 8788455

[email protected]

www.sidsireland.ie

Publicationdate:2017(November)Review date: 2019Ordercode:HPM00078

Copies of this booklet can be ordered from www.healthpromotion.ie or from your Public Health Nurse.

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